Removing dermatofibroma at home

A dermatofibroma is usually a firm, small nodule within the skin, often on an arm or leg. It may follow a minor injury or insect bite and can feel tethered when pinched. A lookalike lesion may need a different treatment, so a changing or uncertain nodule should be examined rather than assumed to be benign.

Leave the area alone, protect it from repeated rubbing and arrange a skin examination if it catches on clothing, bleeds or bothers you. A clinician may recommend observation, or discuss [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) when removal is appropriate. Do not use household acids, freezing products, sharp tools or thread to destroy the nodule. Related information about [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/) can help you describe what you have noticed.

Arrange prompt assessment if the nodule grows, changes colour, becomes painful, ulcerates, bleeds without rubbing or differs noticeably from your other marks. After any attempted home treatment, seek care for persistent bleeding, increasing redness, warmth, pus or fever.

Ask whether the lesion has the typical features of a dermatofibroma, whether monitoring is enough, what scar to expect from excision, and whether tissue should be examined after removal.